My outer fabric is a Carlie Rocket boardshort fabric that was purchased from The Fabric Fairy. I have been holding on to for a while. It just really wanted to be used for this jacket because it was calling my name.

Does anyone else ever feel that? You could have a dozen other fabric that would work for a project but you feel a pull towards one in particular, even if it wouldn't generally be your first choice? This is that.

I think the fabric works well with the retro feel of the pattern, at least with the options I chose. To me, this style feels a bit like a letterman's jacket; very retro, and perfect for the back to school theme. :)

Jonas, on the other hand, was full of 'tude. He loved the jacket, he just didn't want to stand there to get pictures taken. Okay, I am going with it!

The pattern comes with an awesome, very detailed tutorial that takes you through each step.

The fit on this jacket is great. The arm length is right at Jo's wrist and the body length is at mid hip. It has a nice ease so it's perfect for an active child.

There is lots of options with this pattern, so let's look at some of the details.

The Study Hall Jacket features raglan sleeves and a zippered front.

Notice my "handmade" rocket tag inside? It is the perfect place to add a size tag too. My kids complain when I put size tags in the neckline because it itches. Placing it a little lower puts it under the shirt line where it won't rub an their skin.

The front pockets are a welt pocket. Andrea walks you through step-by-step to make these much easier than you'd think. You can also choose to add a ruffle at the opening; a look that I love and will definitely be used when I make one for Keilana!

The collar can be made with rib knit, with a ruffle, or a hood. I chose rib knit for my boy of course, but again the ruffle option is super adorable. If you haven't seen the ruffle options yet check out the blue one Adrea made in the collection's collage. It's not super frilly; it's just right for the modern girl.

On the left shoulder is a zippered pocket. This pocket can be placed just about anywhere you'd like. The pattern leaves it up to you where you would like it to be. It is the perfect little pocket for lunch money...or small toys and trinkets...rocks...four leaf clover...or any of those little things your child carries around.

The cuffs and bottom band can be made with rib knit or using your outer fabric and elastic.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Keilana is a super girly girl. She was, however, blessed/cursed with two big brothers. So she simply adores her cousin Zoey. You get these two girls in the vicinity of each other and they are nearly inseparable. Though Zoey is also super girly, she's not one for ruffles. She has a more simplistic, modern girl style. So, when I had the chance to test the Red Dress pattern for Kikoi Patterns I knew right away I had to make matching dresses for the girls. This dress satisfies the modern girly style with out all the fancy frills. Just comfort and style...perfect.

I used a plum purple and gray heart cotton jersey for the front of the dresses. The back of the dress is made with a plum colored cotton/rayon blend jersey.

The pattern features a simple sleeveless A-line style with a bow back. A bit unexpected and completely adorable!

The pattern sews up really quickly and directions were easy to follow along with.

The faux tied bow in the back is tacked together so no worries about it coming undone with active girls.
There is no restriction of movement here! These girls are unstoppable!

I fell in love with Kikoi Patternsimmediately upon finding them! No joke! These patterns are unique and so, SO adorable. I want ALL of them! Have you seen the Polka Dot Dress with the kitty pockets? <3 <3 <3 Love it! Keilana would go crazy for this one.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

And the Paco Bean pattern love continues! The newest release is the Dottie Vintage Bag. It is awesome!

This is a small formed bag with piping that gives it a very retro/vintage feel. Notice how you can barely see where the piping is joined on the bottom? I used the same joining technique as on my origami fan skirt. Check it out here.

The Free Spirit twill fabric I used works well with this pattern by adding strength to help keep it's shape (not to mention durability!) And I think the print really complements the vintage feel. :)

This bag can be made as a handbag or a shoulder bag. I chose to use the short handles to make it handbag style. I could see these handles made with leather too. Totally retro!

There is a single zipper across the top on the outside; keeping a clean, not too cluttered, look. On the inside there is a hidden zippered pocket. I also added a couple slip in pockets across the opposite side, because a woman can never have too many pockets, right?

I used rip-stop nylon as my lining to make this a cosmetic bag. Or it
could be used as nice little travel bag for your shampoo and stuff. If
anything leaks it can be just wiped out. Easy peasy; that's what I
like!

The pattern also comes with instructions to make it an insulated lunch bag: lunch in style!

The directions were easy to follow and the results are rockin'! You can
use pre-made piping if you wish but the pattern shows you how to make
your own. Paco Bean also has a great free tutorial on making and
applying your piping to this bag here. Really, the designer has been thorough and provided about just anything you'd need to know. It is an awesome pattern and would recommend it for sure!

And because I like to photograph bags like they are fashion models, here's more pictures for you ;)

If you haven't discovered the Mouse House yet then head on over now. You will want to follow this blog; she has everything from crafts to sewing, and more...and you wouldn't want to miss my guest post ;)

I would also like to share a joining technique for piping.

First, cut your piping a little bit longer (about 1 inch should be sufficient) than your project. You should have an overlap of piping where you will join the two ends. Pick the seam of your piping back to reveal the cording inside. Cut your cording back so that when matched up with your other end of piping the two ends butt right up against each other (no overlap).

Next, fold the end of the bias tape back about 1/2". I put a little glue on the end of my cording to keep it from fraying.

Now align your cording end to end with the folded end of bias tape overlapping your cut end. The purple splotch in the photo is a dab of washable glue stick I use to help hold everything in place until it is sewn. The glue stick is also handy as a 'basting' tool.

Now fold the bias tape tighly around your cut raw edge and pin. Voila! You can barely see where the bias tape was joined. Baste your piping in place and sew as normal.

Tada! Pretty neat trick, right? I hope you found it helpful!

Oh, and, I apologize for all the loose thread ends in these pictures. I promise I cut them before sewing ;)